Driving is a useful skill to have, but an awful lot of drivers end up being prosecuted for driving offences. As a result of their crimes, they gain points on their license, have to pay fines, and some even lose their license and go to prison if the offence was serious enough. So what are the most common driving offences?
Speeding
Speed limits vary depending on the road and whereabouts in the world you happen to be driving. To avoid being caught speeding, pay close attention to speed limit signs and if in doubt, stick to the average speed of other road users.
Dangerous Driving
Driving too fast for the road conditions is usually classed as dangerous driving, but overtaking on a hill or a bend in the road is also dangerous, as is weaving in and out of traffic. Always pay due care and respect to other road users and be aware of what is happening around you.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Drink driving limits vary depending on where you are, so if in doubt about how much alcohol you can consume, don’t have a drink at all. Even one drink can cloud your judgement on the road, so really it is sensible to never drink and drive.
Drunk in Charge of a Vehicle
If you have been drinking, do not make the mistake of setting foot inside your vehicle, even if you have no intention of driving. The moment you do this, people will assume you intend on driving and react accordingly.
Driving without a License
If you don’t have a license to drive, don’t drive. Just because you know how to drive, it doesn’t make it legal or sensible to borrow a car for a quick spin. For one thing you won’t be insured and if you have an accident, the other party will not be able to seek financial redress.
Death by Dangerous Driving
Motor vehicles are dangerous things and every year, thousands of people are killed as a result of dangerous driving. Could you live with yourself if another person died because you were driving like a maniac? Think about that the next time you decide to overtake three cars and a lorry on a blind bend in thick fog.
Driving without Due Care and Attention
There are some things you shouldn’t do when you are driving. These include talking on a cell phone, applying make-up, filling in a crossword puzzle, daydreaming and sleeping. This is not an exhaustive list, but you get the idea. Driving is often tedious, but it is a good idea to pay attention to the road at all times or you could be in trouble for not paying due care and attention.
Not being able to drive is a massive inconvenience, but it’s not nearly as bad as living with the knowledge you killed someone because you were not paying attention on the road. So the next time you go for a drive, be a sensible driver: don’t speed, drive dangerously, or have a drink before you set off.
